COUNCILOR Joseph Alfie Bonifacio said he is more than grateful for the new lease on life given to his alma mater -- Chevalier School.
As the chairman of the committee of education of the Angeles City Council, Bonifacio made sure Chevalier will not close down.
The school was supposed to stop operations in 2021 as the Archdiocese of San Fernando wanted to retrieve their land where Chevalier is located in Barangay Sto. Domingo.
“Parents of students were losing hope. Employees, students and teachers taught it was all over,” said Bonifacio, a dentist who is better known as “Doc Alfie.”
He said at least 1,300 students and more than 100 workers will be affected had Chevalier closed down.
“I was taught in Chevalier to be passionate in everything I do. I won’t be here right now without my school. I owe it to Chevalier,” said Bonifacio, who finished High School in Chevalier in 1990.
He said the case of Chevalier was referred to his committee when “everyone was losing hope,” including Vice Mayor Vicky Vega-Cabigting whose children were studying in the school.
Bonifacio said they had 15 committee hearings, adding that they stressed that the decision of Angeles City Regional Trial Court Branch 58 to extend the opening of Chevalier until 2033 should be followed and respected.
“‘Lo and behold, our hard work paid off. The Archdiocese seemed to accept the decision of the court,” said Bonifacio, who have been giving free dental health services not to just to residents of the city but in other areas.
Bonifacio filed four resolutions related to the case which were unanimously approved by the members of the council.
At least for now, they can all prepare if it will seized operations after 10 years, said Bonifacio.
“But I hope I will still be a city councilor or vice mayor when 2033 comes so that I can defend my alma mater again,” Bonifacio said in a jest.
He added that Chevalier could be relocated in other areas or may remain in its present location.
Bonifacio thanked the alumni and others who helped them score a “victory” in the battle to retain or close Chevalier. (PR)